Mumbai, Mar 26: The rupee today appreciated by 5 paise to 45.44 a dollar in early trade on increased capital inflows by foreign funds into the stock markets. At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the rupee strengthened by 5 paise to 45.44 a dollar.
The domestic currency had closed 11 paise higher at 45.49/50 in the previous session. Dealers said the rupee strengthened against the US currency largely in tandem with other firming currencies and dollar selling by banks and exporters.
Besides, fresh capital inflows by foreign funds into equities also supported the rupee, they added. Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex rose by over 80 points, or 0.46 per cent to 17,640.25 points in the opening trade.
—-PTI